Gunmen abduct Nasarawa traditional ruler

A top traditional title holder, the Madakin of the Shabu community in the Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Musa Shuaibu, has been kidnapped by gunmen.

The gunmen were said to have invaded the area at exactly 8 pm on Thursday and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity because he was not permitted to speak on the matter, told our correspondent that Shuaibu was kidnapped a few meters away from his residence after observing the Muslim dusk prayer (Isha’i) in a Mosque in the area.

“We heard that he was kidnapped just a few meters away from his house. The gunmen came in their numbers and took him to an unknown destination.

“We also heard that the police are already following up on the matter to ensure that he is rescued unhurt. Our prayer is that he should return to this community (Shabu) in good health and sound mind.

“The Madakin Shabu has been a peace-loving and kind man. He shows love to everyone irrespective of tribe or religion. He does not deserve this challenge that he is facing at the moment.

“I, therefore, call on the Nasarawa State government and the security agencies to work towards ensuring that he is rescued unhurt,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ramhan Nansel, told our correspondent that officers of the command have been deployed to the area to ensure that the Chief regains freedom, and to arrest the criminal elements.

“It is true that he was kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the criminals and rescue the victim,” Nansel said.

Similarly, in January 2024, some gunmen kidnapped the Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Safiyanu Andaha.

Sources informed our correspondent that Andaha was whisked away in the night at Ningo village along Andaha –Akwanga Road.

He was said to have been kidnapped alongside a native of the area, Adamu Custom, who was with him around 8.30 pm.